Resorts in the Pay des Ecrins region of the Hautes Alpes are participating in a regional campaign called Skiing into Spring.
The campaign, organised by France Montagne, focuses on good quality snow, more sunshine and longer daylight hours during the shoulder season. Special offers are also being promoted.
The resort of Puy Saint Vincent, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is open until April 8, while nearby Pelvoux-Vallouise will be open until March 25.
Both offer ski touring, which is one of the Pays des Ecrins’ main activities.
The area offers long, steep slopes for expert skiers and pleasant, easy itineraries for skiers keen to discover the amazing landscapes.
All tours are accompanied by a guide or instructor.
Winter mountaineering is also on offer this spring, with the first two high-mountain refuges opening on March 17.
They are Glacier Blanc refuge at an altitude of 2,542 m and the Ecrins refuge at 3,172 m, enabling ski touring to the Dôme des Écrins at 4015 m.
They can be reached by backcountry skiing, enabling longer, high mountain excursions.
Special spring offers include free night offers and family incentives.
The end of the season culminates in the Pure Vintage Skiing event on April 1, including what organisors describe as an array of ‘wacky’ activities, music and fireworks.
